Kerala Becomes First Indian State to Establish Senior Citizens Commission

Description

Kerala has become the first state in India to set up a dedicated Senior Citizens Commission. The Kerala Legislative Assembly approved the Kerala State Senior Citizens Commission Bill in early 2025, aiming to safeguard the rights and welfare of the elderly population.

Background

The decision to establish the commission stems from the rising number of senior citizens in Kerala. As per the United Nations Population Fund, the proportion of people aged 60 and above in the state is projected to reach 22.8% by 2036. In 2021, this figure stood at 16.5%. This initiative builds upon the welfare measures undertaken by the state government in previous years.

Objectives Of Commission

The primary purpose of the commission is to protect the rights of senior citizens, promote their well-being, and assist in their rehabilitation. It aims to tackle issues like neglect, exploitation, and social isolation among the elderly while also providing legal aid when needed.

Structure And Composition

The Kerala State Senior Citizens Commission will be led by a chairperson and will include up to three additional members. One of the members will be a woman, and another will be from the Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe communities. An Additional Secretary will oversee administrative matters, while a Joint Secretary from the law department will act as the registrar. The tenure for the members is set at three years.

Roles And Responsibilities

The commission will collaborate with different government departments to improve the lives of senior citizens. It will advise the state on policies and programs related to elderly welfare. Additionally, the commission will be responsible for identifying and assisting abandoned or orphaned senior citizens by placing them in care centres. It will also investigate cases of rights violations and report them to the relevant authorities.

Existing Support For Senior Citizens

The Kerala government currently provides a monthly pension of Rupees 1,600 under the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme. This financial assistance is available to those aged 60 and above with an annual income of Rupees 1,00,000 or less. The creation of the Senior Citizens Commission is expected to further strengthen the support system for the elderly.

Future Impact

This initiative could set a precedent for other states across India. Kerala’s proactive approach highlights the importance of addressing the needs of an aging population. As the number of elderly individuals continues to rise, similar measures will be crucial to ensuring their well-being and social inclusion.

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